Party Wines

by Kristine Hansen, Posted Dec 30th 2010 @ 4:00PM

wine bottles for a party Photo: sebastien b., Flickr

When you're asked to bring a bottle of wine to a holiday party the last thing you want to do is come across as cheap -- or not know anything about wine.

We're here to help with a list of wines that cost $15 and under per bottle. Our criteria is that these wines have to be quality. (In other words, no watered down or excessively concentrated vino.) We wouldn't want to cultivate embarassment on your behalf, of course!

Yellow Tail 2008 Reserve Shiraz, South Eastern Australia ($11)
Now, before you groan and state that you would NEVER bring this to someone's house, you should know that the new Reserve line is much improved. There's ample chocolate flavor on this full-bodied, fruit-forward Shiraz, which might make it a good pick for pairing with the dessert table, but there is also dark cherry notes throughout.

CJR Reginato 2008 Blanc de Blancs, Mendoza, Argentina ($15)
It wouldn't be a holiday fête without a bottle of sparkling wine, right? And with this bottle you're turning to a new region (sparkling Argentinian wines are harder to come by than those in California, or even Spain). Seventy percent Chardonnay and the rest Chenin Blanc results in a wine that's crisp and refreshing with pear and peach notes.

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain ($10)
Another good sparkler is this one. Light, fresh and youthful, it's the perfect compliment to hors d'oeurves, whether it's basic (veggie platter, anyone?) or upscale (whatever your cheesemonger recommends). If you like a clean, citrus-y bubbly, this is it. A blend of Macabeo (50%), Parellada (35%) and Xarel-lo (15%) grape varietals were used to produce this cava. (Also see my post yesterday on Bargain Bubblies.)

Ecco Domani 2008 Pinot Noir, Italy ($12)
Normally we shy away from wines that dominate restaurant lists but in this case, the wine is worthy of swigging. Soft blackberries combine with subtle spices and bright red cherries for a winter-perfect warmer, yet it's also got a lighter body than California Pinots, and some silky elegance too.

The Blonde Bombshell, California ($11)
A pineapple nose will help you forget that it's frigid outdoors. Overall, this nonvintage white wine carries a crisp, clean style and contains floral notes too. Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Muscat grapes are used to make this wine. Because of the creative packaging -- the label resembles a classic Hollywood horror film -- this could be a nice hostess gift.

Parducci Wine Cellars 2007 Petite Sirah, Mendocino County, California ($11)
Cocoa powder on the nose does not fade -- instead, it carries through to the finish, where it silkens. Along the way, notes of blackberries and dried cherries are luscious and jammy; plus, there is a hint of mint and chocolate. (If you're celebrating with eco-minded fellow partyers, be sure to tell them that Parducci was the first carbon-neutral winery in the country.)

Cupcake Vineyards 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12)
To pair with typical party fare -- salty chips or sugary cookies -- a Sauvignon Blanc is perfect because the high levels of acidity in this white wine will stack up to all of that. Just like most Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, this one has a grassy mouthfeel with flavors of Meyer lemon, Key lime and grapefruit.

Filed Under: Drinks, Entertaining
Tags: party wines, wine

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-02-2011 @8:45AM Jack said... The wine suggestions were very helpful; it is difficult to find bottles in that price range that are better or no worse than average. Of course, they may not be better than average and simply offer another way of internet hyping of inferior or overproduced products. A safe course with little risk is to try at least one of those wines recommended, and if it proves satisfactory, move on to another. That is my plan and I am sticking to it!
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1-02-2011 @9:27AM John F.C. Taylor said... Hey! How about planning a party without an alcohol? You don't need alcohol to enjoy the company of friends and relatives.
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1-02-2011 @11:17AM Kelly said... Sure, throw a ribbon around a bottle of Dr. Pepper and bring it along.......just as classy!

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1-02-2011 @1:40PM jay said... There are plenty of parties without Alcohol, they are called kiddie parties, and are usually held at Chuck E. Cheese. You are free to party without Alcohol, let us be free to party with it. Not all people may have problems with Alcohol. Everything in correct quantities is fine.

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1-02-2011 @9:34AM Russell said... Yeah Jack, just don't try them all in one sitting and you should make out just fine. Another not on the list would be either the Clos du Bois Merlot or Red Diamond Merlot. Both usually less than $12 but very decent wines.
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1-02-2011 @2:06PM Kelly said... I like wine, and will often bring a bottle with me when I go to a party or cookout. I don't think I've ever paid more than $18 for a bottle. There are some really great lines out there that are very inexpensive and taste just great! Barefoot is one, Kendall-Jackson, Black Opal, there are many vineyards that make a great, affordable wine from just about everywhere....California, South Africa, and don't forget your local vineyards.

This list of 7 is misleading. There are HUNDREDS!

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1-03-2011 @5:24PM Steven Ruza said... I agree with Kelly. - Steven Ruza
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1-24-2011 @2:29AM Theo Claytor said... I also with kelly thoughts.hey are called kiddie parties, and are usually held at Chuck E

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